Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios: Dubai to Host 'Battle of the Sexes' with Modified Rules

The ultimate gender showdown is back. Women’s world number oneAryna Sabalenka is set to face Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios in a "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match in Dubai this Sunday at 7:45 PM local time. The venue for this highly anticipated clash is the Coca-Cola Arena.

A Modern Rendition of a 1973 Classic

This matchup serves as a contemporary tribute to the iconic 1973 battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. While the original match was a watershed moment for the women's movement, the 2025 version grew out of a social media challenge. Kyrgios sparked the fire during the US Open in September, claiming he could defeat any top female player without even trying "100 percent."

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, didn't back down. She expressed her readiness to "kick ass," leading their shared marketing agency, Evolve, to organize the event. "I have a lot of respect for Nick, but I’m ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated recently on a Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube appearance.

Leveling the Playing Field

To ensure a competitive spectacle, several rule modifications have been implemented. The players are restricted to just one serve. Furthermore, Sabalenka’s side of the court will be 9% smaller than the standard size. The match will follow a best-of-three-sets format, concluding with a 10-point tiebreaker in the final set if necessary.

For Kyrgios, currently ranked 673rd after an injury-plagued two years, this exhibition is more than just fun. It's a critical step toward his professional return at the Brisbane International and the 2026 Australian Open.